Saints face competition from Cardiff after bid for Wanyama accepted

Cardiff City are rivalling Southampton in the £12million battle for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.Southampton have had a bid accepted by Celtic but the move will trigger a six-club tussle for the Kenya international.

Galatasaray are also ready to match the £12m offer while Liverpool, Newcastle and Stoke are monitoring negotiations as they consider stepping in to the bidding.

Wanyama, 21, signed for Celtic from Belgium club Beerschot in 2011 for £900,000 and his performances have attracted interest from Manchester United, City, Arsenal and Everton.

Midfielder: Victor Wanyama has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs

However, with those clubs turning to other targets, ambitious Southampton have made the first bold move.

Wanyama is understood to prefer a move to Liverpool but they have other priorities they need to sign first.

Wanyama said: ‘I am on holiday, I am only hearing this from the media but I can say the deal is far from being complete. Yes, my club has agreed terms with Southampton, but I will also have to agree to terms too.’

Victory: Wanyama played when Celtic beat Barcelona 2-1 this year in the Champions League